A concert is held for a good cause

Three performers will hold a recital to benefit Vashon Community Care at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at Vashon Methodist Church.

The performers are Heather Houston, soprano, Marc Fitchette, basso, and Anne Herfindahl, piano.

Their program will include songs from the Romantic and early Modern eras (1800-1916), with works by Schubert, Strauss, Dvorzak, Rachmaninoff, Gounod, Verdi, Niles, Vaughn Williams, von Felitz and Carpenter on the bill.

The singers will also perform a duet by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Houston, who is a vocal student of Marc Fitchette, said the concert came about because of a special connection she had with Vashon Community Care.

“We chose to make it a benefit for the VCC because of the wonderful experience I had with a group of the seniors this past summer during the ‘Dancing with Horses’ event held at my farm,” Houston explained. “A group of seniors from VCC came to a special rehearsal and discussion we held for them. They enjoyed themselves very much and really connected with my horses.”

The suggested donation for the concert is $10.

Suzanna Leigh presents silk paintings and a talk about China

Artist and traveler Suzanna Leigh will host a special presentation at Vashon Tea Shop at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21. Admission is $10.

The event will include a discussion about Leigh’s silk paintings, based on Chinese folk tales and poetry, which are on display at the shop. Leigh will also share photos and tales of the trip to China that inspired her to create the work.

There will also be a Chinese New Year’s treat and dragon well tea for attendees.

Leigh said she hopes the afternoon fosters continued dialogue.

“My vision for this time is that some in the audience will have been to China and will contribute to the discussion, so that we all can develop a better understanding of the people and culture of this great nation — and perhaps of ourselves as well,” she said.